Driven by Mission

“Combining the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Catholic faith with the genius of Montessori philosophy, we guide children to discover, enjoy, and attain their divine mission in this life and the next. Our students thrive in an environment that values wonder, discovery, community, and independence. The generosity of the community as a whole joins integrally in this task of forming the next generation of children, ensuring families of all income levels have access to a premier education.”

A girl kneeling on a beige mat, placing a colored piece on a circular Montessori material labeled 'Cycle of Easter' and 'Circle of Courage.' A wooden clock and a ruler are on the table behind her.
Two young boys wearing red shirts playing checkers game on a table in a classroom. 
Montessori Education

Maria Montessori developed what is now termed the “Montessori method” through careful scientific observations of children in the early 1900’s. The Montessori philosophy of education can be described as an education of the senses, where the child primarily uses physical materials to learn in a truly hands on way. As a faithful Catholic, she attributed her discoveries as a gift from God.

Notable tenets of the Montessori method of education are:

Multi-aged classrooms

  • Younger kids look up to older children

  • Older children gain confidence and proficiency by teaching others

  • Leads to collaboration vs competition.

Methodically designed, hands-on materials

  • Follows a logical, developmentally appropriate progression

  • Bridges to understanding abstract concepts in a physical way

  • Build gross and fine motor skills

  • Satisfy the individual developmental needs of each child which leads to deeper concentration

Freedom to choose materials, work with them (repeatedly to achieve mastery), and restore to their original state.

  • Fosters responsibility and independence

  • Child can pursue their interest and at their pace

  • Learning through curiosity becomes a natural process that is motivating

Three children, two girls and one boy, are laying on the floor and drawing on a large educational floor mat that resembles a ruler with red, green, and white sections for measuring height.
A young boy with blond hair, wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, and black Nike sneakers, is kneeling on the floor near a window, writing or drawing on a piece of paper taped to the glass.
A young girl sitting on a patterned carpet reading a book with several other books laid on the carpet in front of her.

Core Pillars

Our mission rests on three core pillars. Together, these pillars create a distinctive educational experience where thoughtful faith, purposeful pedagogy, and a spirit of giving prepare children to step forward with confidence, creativity, and conscience.

    • St. Monica’s Montessori aims in every way to be grounded in the principles of the Catholic faith, forming children in truth, beauty, and goodness as they grow in relationship with God.

      Children participate in weekly religious formation through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, where they encounter Scripture and liturgy in a developmentally appropriate and reverent environment. Each day begins with prayer, as students pause to ask Jesus to guide their work, relationships, and learning.

      We are also actively pursuing approbation with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo as we continue to grow in fidelity to the Church and our mission.

  • Inspired by the genius of Montessori philosophy, we provide carefully prepared environments where children are free to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. We value independence, concentration, wonder, and joyful engagement in meaningful work.

  • Our school is sustained through the generosity of our community. This shared commitment makes it possible for children from diverse economic backgrounds to receive an authentic Catholic Montessori education. Together, we participate in forming the next generation.

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children.

We believe the home environment and the role of parents as teachers and models are fundamentally important throughout a child’s life.

We believe that all children are created by God in His image and likeness and are called to holiness, each with a unique combination of abilities, interests, and learning styles.

We believe that children are naturally inquisitive and creative, possessing an inherent desire to learn.

We believe that children move through distinct developmental stages, and at each stage, active engagement in the learning process is essential for growth.

Join Our Mission

Whether you are a family discerning enrollment or a benefactor drawn to our mission, we welcome you to join us in forming children in faith, independence, and a love of learning.